66th: Torquay United 3 - 0 Oxford United - 2003/04
5 points, 2 votes (2+3)
Division 3
Monday 12th April 2004
Plainmoor
Attendance: 5114
Torquay: Arjan van Heusden, Reuben Hazell, Steve Woods, Craig Taylor, Brian McGlinchey, Liam Rosenior, Alex Russell, Matt Hockley, Kevin Hill, David Graham, Jo Kuffour. Subs: Dave Woozley, Jason Fowler, Martin Gritton, Tony Bedeau, Kevin Wills
Torquay scorers: Paul Wanless (OG), Reuben Hazell, David Graham
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This match was really close to making my list, I remember it so well. Easter Monday, both sides were at the top end of the table. We had gone through a patch of just one win in 7 matches before this game, and had lost 2-1 at a David Nugent inspired Bury on Good Friday (I also remember that well!). Our promotion charge was faltering just at the wrong time, and so this match was a must win. Swelled by a large contingent in the away end, over 5000 were at Plainmoor to see Leroy's side blow the U's apart. We absolutely destroyed them. Paul Wanless scored into his own net just after 30 minutes to give United the lead. Things got better as Andy Crosby received a red card just before half time for a professional foul.
The second half continued to improve for United. First Reuben Hazell stormed down the right and shot through the goalie's legs to double the lead - he didn't score many so this was a goal I still remember. David Graham added the gloss with a quarter of an hour to go. This gave United the confidence to push back towards the top 3 - and, well, all who were there for the run-in will remember it!
I'm really glad this match has featured. Oxford were no mugs that season, although an awful end of season run for them saw them drop out of the playoffs.
One of mine this, I do believe. One of the most brilliant passing football performances I have ever seen from a Torquay side , possibly the best, hard to tell because during those first 2 Leroy seasons we passed so many teams off the pitch but this one does stand out for me, brilliant game, brilliant atmosphere.
You are my torquay, my only torquay, you make me happy when skies are grey, you'll never know, just, how much i love you, so don't take my torquay away.
(laa, laa, - laaaa, - la, la, - laa, laa, - laaaa, - la, la. - la,la,la,la,la, - la,la,la,la....).
JOINT 65th: Scarborough 1 - 3 Torquay United - 1997/98
6 points, 1 vote
Division 3 Playoff Semi Final First Leg
Sunday 10th May 1998
McCain Stadium
Attendance: 5246
Torquay: Kenny Veysey, Andy Gurney, Paul Gibbs, Jamie Robinson, Jon Gittens, Alex Watson, Gary Clayton, Steve McCall, Chris Leadbitter, Andy McFarlane, Rodney Jack. Subs: Wes Thomas, Kevin Hill, Tony Bedeau.
Scarborough scorer: Jason Rockett
Torquay scorers: Rodney Jack, Jon Gittens, Andy McFarlane
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Torquay United travelled to Scarborough for the first of a two-legged Playoff Semi Final at the end of the 1997/98 campaign. United had been in pretty awful form through the tail end of the season, and had to settle for the playoffs. Scarborough awaited, and United were away in the first leg. Over 5,000 fans were at the McCain Stadium to see Torquay win by two clear goals, taking a great advantage back to Devon. Rodney Jack opened the scoring before Jason Rockett equalised before half time. Soon after the restart, Jon Gittens restored the Gulls' lead. Andy McFarlane then added a third with 20 minutes to go, ensuring that United had one foot at Wembley.
League 2
Saturday 17th March 2012
Pirelli Stadium
Attendance: 2397
Torquay: Bobby Olejnik, Joe Oastler, Brian Saah, Mark Ellis, Kevin Nicholson, Damon Lathrope, Lee Mansell, Eunan O'Kane, Ian Morris, Danny Stevens, Rene Howe. Subs: Taiwo Atieno, Ryan Jarvis, Lathanial Rowe-Turner, Martin Rice, Angus MacDonald.
Burton scorer: Justin Richards
Torquay scorers: Danny Stevens, Lee Mansell, Rene Howe, Taiwo Atieno
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Torquay United travelled to mid table Burton Albion here with hopes of keeping their promotion push alive. And boy did we. We romped to victory in the midlands. Danny Stevens put us ahead before Lee Mansell doubled the advantage. Burton got a glimmer of hope when Justin Richards scored after Bobby Olejnik and Brian Saah collided in the air. With 8 minutes to go, Rene Howe sealed the win with a superb individual goal, curling into the top corner from 20 yards out. Taiwo Atieno added the fourth in injury time to seal a super win. This was an excellent performance from Martin Ling's side, moving the club into second place in the table.
Plymouth Gull wrote:JOINT 65th: Torquay United 5 - 0 Chester City - 1963/64
6 points, 1 vote
Division Four
30th November 1963
Plainmoor
Attendance: 4075
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Another I cannot find any other information on, so hoping whoever voted for it can help us out!
This was one of Wivel's. It was in Robin Stubbs first season with us and this game was part of a sequence of 12 successive home league and FA Cup games where we scored 48 goals, an incredible average of 4 a game. I was not at this game as I was at a packed County Ground watching South West Counties v The All Blacks, an opportunity an 11 year old just could not pass over.
TORQUAY: Geoff Barnsley *, John Rossiter, George Allen, Frank Austin,Alan Smith, Dave Hancock, Peter Anderson, Tommy Northcott, Robin Stubbs, Reg Jenkins, Ernie Pym.
* Our regular goalkeeper Terry Adlington had been injured 2 weeks earlier in a 6-2 FA Cup win against Barnet, and in the days of no substitutes Adlington had played the second half as an outfield player... and scored!
SCORERS: Robin Stubbs (2), Ernie Pym, Reg Jenkins, Tommy Northcott.
Cue Sam with his diary entry .... Now he would not have been at the County Ground!
Division 3
Saturday 27th September 2003
Huish Park
Attendance: 7718
Torquay: Arjan van Heusden, Lee Canoville, Steve Woods, Mike Williamson, Brian McGlinchey, Matt Hockley, Alex Russell, Jason Fowler, Kevin Hill, Jo Kuffour, David Graham. Subs: Joe Broad, Graham Killoughery, Kevin Dearden, Kevin Wills, Jimmy Benefield.
Torquay scorers: David Graham, Jo Kuffour
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This match was my first ever away match and it is also the first of my own list to feature. I remember it very well. It was our first league match against Yeovil. Infact, it is our only ever league match at Huish Park. The Glovers were in form prior to this game, winning 4 in a row without conceding. However, the bubble was burst by Leroy's United. Backed by a healthy contingent of around 1500 Gulls fans, David Graham put us ahead after a superb run from his forward partner, Jo Kuffour. Little Jo was running Yeovil ragged, and had his name on the scoresheet in the second half with a delicate flick.
It was a great day for United - the sun was shining on that open terrace and we bossed the match throughout.
Plymouth Gull wrote:58th: Yeovil Town 0 - 2 Torquay United - 2003/04
6 points, 3 votes (1+1+4)
Division 3
Saturday 27th September 2003
Huish Park
Attendance: 7718
Torquay: Arjan van Heusden, Lee Canoville, Steve Woods, Mike Williamson, Brian McGlinchey, Matt Hockley, Alex Russell, Jason Fowler, Kevin Hill, Jo Kuffour, David Graham. Subs: Joe Broad, Graham Killoughery, Kevin Dearden, Kevin Wills, Jimmy Benefield.
Torquay scorers: David Graham, Jo Kuffour
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This match was my first ever away match and it is also the first of my own list to feature. I remember it very well. It was our first league match against Yeovil. Infact, it is our only ever league match at Huish Park. The Glovers were in form prior to this game, winning 4 in a row without conceding. However, the bubble was burst by Leroy's United. Backed by a healthy contingent of around 1500 Gulls fans, David Graham put us ahead after a superb run from his forward partner, Jo Kuffour. Little Jo was running Yeovil ragged, and had his name on the scoresheet in the second half with a delicate flick.
It was a great day for United - the sun was shining on that open terrace and we bossed the match throughout.
For all the brilliance of that starting XI - look at the shocking state of the bench. Obviously that was a fantastic season for the club, but we did get a good stroke of luck with injuries (or lack of them)
Division 3 Playoff Semi Final First Leg
Sunday 10th May 1998
McCain Stadium
Attendance: 5246
Torquay: Kenny Veysey, Andy Gurney, Paul Gibbs, Jamie Robinson, Jon Gittens, Alex Watson, Gary Clayton, Steve McCall, Chris Leadbitter, Andy McFarlane, Rodney Jack. Subs: Wes Thomas, Kevin Hill, Tony Bedeau.
Scarborough scorer: Jason Rockett
Torquay scorers: Rodney Jack, Jon Gittens, Andy McFarlane
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Torquay United travelled to Scarborough for the first of a two-legged Playoff Semi Final at the end of the 1997/98 campaign. United had been in pretty awful form through the tail end of the season, and had to settle for the playoffs. Scarborough awaited, and United were away in the first leg. Over 5,000 fans were at the McCain Stadium to see Torquay win by two clear goals, taking a great advantage back to Devon. Rodney Jack opened the scoring before Jason Rockett equalised before half time. Soon after the restart, Jon Gittens restored the Gulls' lead. Andy McFarlane then added a third with 20 minutes to go, ensuring that United had one foot at Wembley.
What a great day out that was, although the second leg back at plainmoor midweek was even better. I bet that game makes the top 10.
The drive up to Scarborough was a long one. I seem to remember the police stopped our coach on the outskirts of the town asking us to wait for the other coaches to provide an escort. The driver had to tell the police that we were the only coach! Also remember a few stones hitting the windows on the way home.
Great penalty save from Kenny that day too. Rodney and Andy Mac were running riot
Thanks for nominating that Chester match, Wivelgull, I didn't specifically pick it out myself so it's good to see that there are still some other old crusties who have parallel memories!
In passing, I went to the Burton match with my wife for company, on another trip to the Lake District, and Rene's goal will stay long in the memory, I was right behind the goal and there was only one place that ball was going. Burton sacked Paul Peschesolido immediately after the match but look at the different directions each club has taken since then.
JOINT 57th: Torquay United 1 - 2 Scunthorpe United - 1987/88
7 points, 1 vote
Division 3
Saturday 7th May 1988
Plainmoor
Attendance: 4989
This was the last match of the 1987/88 season, and Scunthorpe beat Torquay 2-1 at Plainmoor. Both sides ended up in the playoffs, ironically meeting the Iron in the playoffs a week later. I can't find much information about this one, so I don't know if we had a chance of automatic promotion or not. The playoffs ended in defeat as we beat Scunthorpe over two legs but then lost against Swansea.
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JOINT 57th: Torquay United 1 - 4 Exeter City
7 points, 1 vote
Blue Square Premier Playoff Semi Final 2nd Leg
Monday 5th May 2008
Plainmoor
Attendance: 6015
Torquay: Simon Rayner, Chris Robertson, Chris Todd, Steve Woods, Kevin Nicholson, Lee Mansell, Chris Hargreaves, Steve Adams, Kevin Hill, Chris Zebroski, Tim Sills. Subs: Lee Phillips, Roscoe D'Sane, Danny Stevens, Martin Rice, Matt Hockley.
Torquay scorer: Kevin Hill
Exeter scorers: Ryan Harley, Ben Watson, Richard Logan, Wayne Carlisle.
I think SeñorDingDong got confused and thought it was the WORST TORQUAY UNITED MATCHES EVER THREAD. This was the most harrowing, haunting football experience I have ever had. The final 20 were without doubt the worst minutes I've ever spent at Plainmoor. I'm not detailing it because it's horrible to even think about it.
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JOINT 57th: Torquay United 2 - 0 Preston North End - 1993/94
7 points, 1 vote
Division 3 Playoff Semi Final First Leg
15th May 1994
Plainmoor
Attendance: 4440
Torquay scorers: Duane Darby, Darren Moore
The first leg of the 1993/94 playoffs is next to feature. We finished 6th in Division 3 and so met Preston in the playoffs. Both sides finished on 67 points that season, so it promised to be a close encounter. Duane Darby opened the scoring in the 20th minute for United, a lead that was held until half time. In the second half, Darren Moore doubled it, ensuring that Preston would have a lot to do in the return leg. Unfortunately for United, that match ended in a heavy defeat and it was Preston that won through 4-3 on aggregate.
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JOINT 57th: Torquay United 1 - 1 Crewe Alexandra - 2011/12
7 points, 1 vote
League 2
Saturday 28th April 2012
Plainmoor
Attendance: 3802
Torquay: Bobby Olejnik, Joe Oastler, Mark Ellis, Brian Saah, Kevin Nicholson, Damon Lathrope, Lee Mansell, Eunan O'Kane, Ian Morris, Danny Stevens, Rene Howe. Subs: Taiwo Atieno, Ryan Jarvis, Lathanial Rowe-Turner, Angus MacDonald, Martin Rice.
Torquay scorer: Danny Stevens
Crewe scorer: Nick Powell
Oh...this match. In terms of football it was among the best matches I've seen at Plainmoor. However, we were SO damn close. SO close to moving two points clear and into 3rd place. We had survived the worst of the onslaught. Big Bobby saved a penalty. We half cleared a corner, then BAM. Powell found the corner with virtually the last kick. Heartbreak. Both sides had played superb football all game but this game really cost us promotion. I feel that without Powell's goal we'd have gone on to beat Hereford, getting promoted in the process. Still, while I didn't vote for it, in terms of memorable matches and quality of football, it's up there.
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JOINT 57th: Torquay United 4 - 2 Manchester United - 1981/82
7 points, 1 vote
Friendly - Tony Brown Testimonial
7th December 1981
Plainmoor
Attendance: 7200 (estimate)
Torquay (from): Vince O'Keefe, Graham Jones, Freddie Pethard, Tony Brown, Brian Wilson, Albert Larmour, Garry Fell, Les Lawrence, Steve Cooper, Bruce Rioch, Tommy Sermanni, Willie Young, Derek Bellotti, Keith Bowker, Maurice Cox, Dave Butler, Richard Bourne.
Torquay scorers: Dave Butler (2), Willie Young, Steve Cooper
Man Utd scorers: Ray Wilkins, Lou Macari
So yes, Torquay United beat Manchester United. A strong United XI too, I believe. Granted, it is only a friendly, and so the only friendly to appear on this list, but I can see why. As usual, I don't know a lot but hoping some others can add some detail here. There is a thread on the other forum also.
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JOINT 57th: Torquay United 5 - 1 Workington FC - 1966/67
7 points, 1 vote
Division 3
4th March 1967
Plainmoor
Attendance: 6587
Cannot find any info here either so Stef/Samuel/Wivel/Gateman, if you please...
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JOINT 57th: Torquay United 5 - 0 Rochdale - 2009/10
7 points, 1 vote
League 2
Saturday 10th April 2010
Plainmoor
Attendance: 3093
Torquay: Scott Bevan, Chris Robertson, Mark Ellis, Guy Branston, Kevin Nicholson, Chris Zebroski, Nicky Wroe, Lee Mansell, Mustapha Carayol, Scott Rendell, Elliot Benyon. Subs: Michael Poke, Danny Stevens, Eunan O'Kane, Adam Smith, Kieran Charnock, Lathanial Rowe-Turner, Tyrone Thompson.
Now this is a fully deserving game on this list and I am surprised it did only get one vote to be honest. However, it is a perfect way to end the 51-100 part of the list. United were struggling in the fight against relegation here, although recent form had seen a bit of a U-turn. We were a few clear of 23rd place Grimsby. Rochdale were top of the league and clear of the pack, so came down with a healthy contingent. I bet they wished they'd stayed at home. Torquay ripped the league leaders apart, hitting them for 5 clear goals. Rendell and Benyon scored three times in 6 first half minutes, effectively killing the game. A Nicky Wroe penalty just past the hour made it pretty, before Muzzy Carayol put the cherry on top with 13 minutes left. A superb win.
I included the 1-4 Exeter match, again because it's an important match in the history of the club, it wasn't nice good lord it wasn't nice but that brief period when we were 3-1 up there was a great atmosphere in the stadium, one of the best I've personally experienced, and our collapse helped the team learn an important lesson for the next season when we ground out a win against Histon (whatever happened to them?) despite having had arguably a poorer overall league season than the one before.
It's also the culmination of one of the most interesting seasons in our club's history (with the exception of the Ebbsfleet match which I also picked) with such a fresh feel around the club and it actually felt like the Torbay public cared - something which I didn't even feel during our Ling run, we had a very good average attendance what with the new board, the success and it being just before the credit crunch. At the time I never thought it'd end up the way it did with the board melting away and barmy 'my best talent is writing cheques' Thea Bristow leaving the club rudderless in Conference obscurity saddled with all kinds of commitments that have crippled this season - despite KT claims that the club was being given away basically for free.
Also in my history of watching the club (started in late 96/97 against Wigan Athletic) it's one of the games that affected me the most. I was gutted afterwards when I could hardly say the same about scrappy 2-2 draw in the middle of December against Rochdale 8 years ago and why do we watch football but for the emotions?
I really don't agree with the idea that to be an important, history defining, memorable match that it has to be a Torquay win...this being said I haven't picked any more defeats so people will be happy
Plymouth Gull wrote: JOINT 57th: Torquay United 5 - 1 Workington FC - 1966/67
7 points, 1 vote
Division 3
4th March 1967
Plainmoor
Attendance: 6587
Cannot find any info here either so Stef/Samuel/Wivel/Gateman, if you please...
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This was the first season back in Division 3 (League 1) after promotion the previous year, and after a very inconsistent start that saw us sitting in mid-table, at last some consistency had been found... and a new signing .... he of the mutton chops Jim Fryatt. This was game 8 in a run of 9 games undefeated (7 of the 9 were wins) and it had seen Torquay charge up the table. The run of 9 successive undefeated games came to an end with a 3-1 defeat at Scunthorpe, but then we put in another run immediately after of 6 undefeated (4 of them wins). So only one defeat in 16 games (and 11 of them wins) saw the club surge up to 2nd in the table. As previously reported it then all fell apart, with 4 defeats in the last 5 games denying us promotion to the second tier.
This Workington game saw the team full of confidence and playing in quite a cavalier fashion. Our hero Robin Stubbs had immediately formed a formidable partnership with new signing Jum Fryatt, something else that fell apart for reasons that are best not mentioned after all these years.
TORQUAY: John Dunn, John Bond, Eric Burgess, John Benson, Reg Wyatt, Alan Smith, Doug Clarke, John Smith, Jim Fryatt, Robin Stubbs, Ronnie Barnes.
SCORERS: Jim Fyatt 2, Robin Stubbs, Ronnie Barnes 2.
Now Sam's diary had started by then, so I am sure we are in for a view of an authentic record of the time......
What a team! The names roll off the tongue with joy....Reg Wyatt, now there was THE BIG BOOT in all his glory. You needed a BIG BOOT (we haven't had one since John Uzzell) so that glorious masters like Robin, Big Fry and Ronnie Barnes could show us what no players have done since (with the possible exception of Rodney Jack)....and John Smith! What a superb midfielder: tough, intelligent, creative, brilliant in every way. With Lors in for, possibly, Doug Clarke you'd have the almost perfect United side ever.
